Is there any reason I shouldnt fill the cowl vents? I know they feed the freash air vent on my non-AC 79 but what other purpose if any do they serve other than give a good place to rust the truck out and make it difficult to paint?

 

IIRC this is also where the heater draws air. The trucks with AC are the only ones that recirculate air from the cab.
Fill the vents... Interesting idea, but where to grab fresh air, and keep moisture out?

 

Its been done. Check Mclaughlin31 gallery. Unbelieveably nice truck but I dont think he has a heater at all so that could make sense. Could you make new holes underneath the cowl in the engine compartment where the firewall curves under?

 

I wouldn't, been gassed enough not having all of the clutch pedal/shifter boots intact.

I started thinking ducts on the side of the cowl with an up-draft cofiguratrion to limit moisture. Then I started thinking about flex duct from the firewall through the hood somewhere. Then I started thinking about water traps. Then I started thinking about vents with remote control 180* adjustable shutters. Then I stopped thinking so hard.

I need a personal smilie that has smoke coming from it's ears.

 

STG,
I sent you an e-mail. You are correct, no heater. This truck is 100% my play toy. Not a daily driver. Take care.
P.S. Thanks for the compliments.
James

 

I've considered this too. In stock form, the air comes in the cowl, down the passenger side and into the passenger kick panel where the heater draws the air in. I've thought to fill the cowl vents, and use piping from the kick panel area behind the fender to the front radiator support for fresh air. Would get fresh air and would be unseen if run inside the top of the inner fender area. Just a thought.

Marty

 

I've been kicking this idea around 4 a little while now. I'm going 2 re-do my front clip to tilt 4ward, and was considering duct work from the grill, running along the inside top of the hood and mating up to a hole in the front of the cab just below the cowl. Similar to the way some big trucks draw air into their intakes...? What say you to that **** poor idea...?

Brad

 

btw, I have a '78 F-150 4x4, with air and heat.... and I intend 4 it to work when I'm all done. It will be a daily driver.

 

So, uh, what makes it **** poor?

The only thing I'd worry about is a plume of automotive vapors filling the cab.

 

Hypoid-Shouldn't be any vapor. Fresh air will come from the front of the truck. I'm thinking of drawing air from down low, next to the radiator. That should eliminate the moisture problem, and give fresh air for the cab...